Cavaliers notes: Popovich has admirer in Byron Scott

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has taken a shine to Cavs coach Byron Scott through the years.

"He called me to come down (to San Antonio) to join him for wine," Scott said. "I've always appreciated Pop. He'll go down as one of the best."

Scott loves how Popovich holds everyone accountable on the team, even the superstars like Tim Duncan.

"He'll cuss out the first player or the 12th player," Scott said. "I've seen him go off on guys on the sideline."

'Cocky' unit

While watching the Cavaliers on video in preparation for last Saturday's game, Denver coach George Karl noticed their second team played so confidently, it was almost "cocky."

Cavs forward Luke Walton didn't disagree with Karl's assessment.

"We take a lot of pride in playing a certain style of basketball," Walton said. "We're loud and vocal. We play a certain way, even though it's for short minutes. Coming off bench, you don't know how long you'll be out there.

"It's our job to push the first unit and pick up the level of competition. We like to yap. We like to talk a little trash and get the intensity going."

The second team has been aided by the additions of center Marreese Speights, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and point guard Shaun Livingston.

Cavs one of those teams

Throughout the season, the Cavs have gotten up for the top-tier teams and played down to the level of the bad teams.

"We're 16-36," Walton said. "We have to make sure we get up for every game. That's one of the things we're working on to play at a high level every night."

Scott said he can't envision why his team looks down on bad opponents.

"We don't have the right to do that," he said. "We are one of those teams right now. 'Oh, this will be an easy win.' Sometimes we're in that mode. There's no one in this league you can disrespect."